MARK BARROCA

Far Eastern University’s star guard Mark Barroca has reportedly been asked by school officials to explain a dip in his performance, particularly in FEU’s last two games during which it beat University of Santo Tomas in overtime and then lost to Ateneo by one point after leading by 18 points.

Sources who requested not to be named said that even Barroca’s teammates had asked the coaching staff not to field him during the crucial Ateneo game saying they suspect he was not playing up to his ability.

The 5-foot-10 Barroca played in all 14 games during the double-round eliminations that saw him average 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 steals in 28.9 minutes to lead the Tamaraws to an 11-3 record.

But it was his performance in the last two games that made his teammates and school officials to suspect that there was something amiss with his game.

“Gusto ng mga kasama niya, huwag na siya paglaruin during their game against Ateneo, kasi parang may hinala na sila,” the source said. “Iba na na raw kasi ang laro niya the past few games.”

It was during La Salle’s game when FEU players noticed that something was “wrong” with Barroca’s game.

Though coach Glenn Capacio refused to confirm or deny it, Barroca, according to another source, was asked to a meeting by university officials management last Tuesday and was questioned about the sudden drop in his performance.

“He was asked by the management about his performance, but I don’t know what will happen,” the source added.

Efforts to get confirmation from FEU officials proved futile as athletic director Mark Molina did not answer text queries.

In his last two games, Barroca normed only 7.5 points, 3 rebounds and 3.5 errors per contest.

He played for just 21 minutes in FEU's 71-69 overtime triumph over La Salle last Sept. 5 and logged 23 minutes in a 74-73 loss to Ateneo last Saturday.

In that game, he scored eight points in the first quarter but went scoreless the rest of the way as the Tamaraws blew an 18-point lead in the third quarter to waste an opportunity of gaining the No. 1 spot in the Final Four.

He was 4-of-5 in the first quarter and 0-3 for the next three quarters.

Despite the allegations, Capacio had nothing but praise to Barroca, who on his third season with the team, has emerged as one of the top players in the country. He had stints in the PBL and also with the RP developmental team where he is considered one of the top guards.

"Wala na akong masasabi sa kanya, talagang magaling siya at talented," said Capacio, who has coached Barroca since the 2007 season.

Meanwhle, the Tamaraws will face University of the East in the Final Four on Saturday.  With a twice to beat advantage, they only have to win once to advance to the finals.

But at this stage, FEU does not need any distraction.

The Warriors are on a six-game roll, including a win over the Tamaraws, 87-72.